Andhra Pradesh

Now, tourism classes for Inter students

NELLORE: Intermediate students in the State might have to study some chapters on tourism from the next academic year 2008-09 with the Government envisaging a massive awareness campaign about tourism among the students.

To begin with the Government will ask all Intermediate colleges across the State to set up tourism clubs with a view to creating awareness on the socio-economic relevance of tourism for the State. Subsequently, all colleges will have to earmark at least one period per month to create awareness on the subject.

According to Tourism, Information and Public Relations Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, the Tourism Department will rope in counsellors or subject experts to teach the subject, which could eventually impress upon young and upcoming generation on the importance and relevance of tourism in their careers.

“Hence the Tourism Department has been holding talks with its Kerala counterpart to replicate the latter’s model in the State by incorporating certain changes to suit our requirements. And the whole objective of the Government is to create rational approach towards tourism, environment and nature among the students.”

The Minister said that the area of operation of all tourism clubs would be within the State and they would be formed at all regular and vocational colleges. Heads of the institution, students, district administration and Tourism Department officials will have to play a crucial role to make the initiative successful.

Besides, the Tourism Department has also plans to promote agri-tourism in the State.

“We will soon identify areas well-known for certain crops including horticulture, agriculture and vegetables and establish warehouses in those areas to enable growers to store their produce. Later they will be linked with heritage and tourism corridors,” he added.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu